Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other lawmakers in a group photograph with the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, Zhang Qingwei, during his historic first visit to Africa on November 26, 2024.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday urged the Chinese government to boost aid flows to Africa, particularly to Nigeria to strengthen bilateral relations and support development efforts.
Akpabio made the appeal while hosting Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, Zhang Qingwei, during his historic first visit to Africa.
Describing the occasion as one filled with “promise and possibility,” Akpabio underscored the importance of deepening cooperation between Nigeria and China.
“While China’s trade relations with Africa have continued to grow, I want to seize the opportunity offered by your visit to call on the Chinese government to increase aid flows to Africa, and particularly to Nigeria,” he said.
The Senate President highlighted a declining trend in Chinese aid commitments to Africa, referencing the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) pledge, which is lower than the $60 billion pledged in 2015.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio receives the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, Zhang Qingwei, during his historic first visit to Africa on November 26, 2024.
“As we gaze into the horizon of possibilities, let us aspire to build a partnership that not only strengthens our economies but also enriches our cultural and social bonds,” he said.
Akpabio called for greater collaboration on projects that would improve lives and foster innovation in Nigeria. He encouraged China to invest in transforming Nigeria into a hub of creativity and opportunity, leveraging the country’s rich resources and vibrant culture.
The Senate President further advocated for stronger parliamentary exchanges between Nigeria and China, proposing the creation of a Nigeria-China Parliamentary Friendship Group to enhance mutual learning and cooperation.
“We can begin this mutually beneficial relationship by establishing the Nigeria/China Parliamentary Friendship Group to continue exchanging ideas on how we can assist both parliamentary institutions,” Akpabio said.
In his remarks, the leader of the Chinese delegation, Zhang Qingwei, noted that his visit aimed to implement agreements reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during Tinubu’s visit to China in September.
“Our visit is to consolidate China-Nigeria friendship and mutual trust, enhance exchanges between legislatures, and step up communications in various areas to elevate bilateral relations to a new height,” Zhang said.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development and reform efforts, describing the country as a valued partner.